FEBRUARY 14-DAY CHALLENGE

What was Keeley thinking when she created this topic? I'm wondering whether the challenge is to name 50 things I love or to do it in 500 words. Maybe it's both. And to think, I've already wasted forty words deciding.

So, with no further ado, here are fifty things I love (in no particular order.)

1. My grandchildren's authentic smiles.

2. Being called, Bubie.

3. The feel of soft fur on my fingertips.

4. The first spot of sunshine after a string of cloudy days.

5. The crackling of a campfire.

6. Sampling a new Baskin & Robbins ice cream flavour.

7. Watching the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl (You know it could happen!)

8. Dipping ripe strawberries into a chocolate fondue.

9. Being validated.

10. Ed's spontaneous neck massages.

11. Listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops on the window while napping.

12. Speaking with Mom daily, catching up on events and sharing our loving connection.

13. Playing hide and seek with my granddaughter.

14. Watching my mischievous toddler grandson give his father a run for his money.

15. Family get-togethers.

16. My cat nestled against me at bedtime.

17. My brother — everything about him. He's such a great guy.

18. Ed's daily texts saying he loves me.

19. Savoring a warm gooey brownie and chocolate chip cookie combo.

20. Welcoming a visiting blue jay or cardinal to the neighbourhood.

21. Spontaneous shopping sprees with my daughters.

22. Sharing my birthday with my grandson.

23. Spending all day in my flannel jammies.

24. Writing into the wee hours of the morning.

25. Finding peace amidst the chaos.

26. Watching game shows on TV.

27. People who truly get me, not just the persona I project.

28. Feeling wet sand between my toes.

29. Listening to angry waves crashing against rocks.

30. A romantic candlelit dinner.

31. Hiring a qualified applicant.

32. The changing colour of autumn leaves.

33. Living a day free of anxiety.

34. Being the reason someone smiles.

35. Celebrating my children's achievements, no matter how big or small.

36. Writing a successful short form when I'm feeling verbose.

37. Watching my niece parent my great-nieces in the most admirable ways.

38. Finding my favourite sugary cereal on sale.

39. Meeting a seeing-eye dog and their person in person.

40. Feeling the magic of driving through a stretch of snow-covered evergreens.

41. Bonding with like-minded readers and writers.

42. Meeting a grown child from my clowning days.

43. Adding to my children's and grandchildren's happiness.

44. Smelling horse manure. (Keeley, this one's for you 😂)

45. Eating a mixture of caramel and cheese popcorn.

46. Pampering Ed when he's sick.

47. Celebrating working for over twenty years with the same company.

48. Trying to figure out how the mind thinks.

49. People who enjoy my sense of humour.

and last but not least,

50. When David Perlmutter claps and highlights my stories. Does it get any better than this?

To read more about me, follow my list of responses. Here's my answer from Day One, including the challenge.

And don't forget to peek in on fellow writers. (Sorry if I've missed anyone).

The Sturg, NancyO, Adrienne Beaumont, Autistic Widower ("AJ"), Brett Jenae Tomlin, Bernie Pullen, Katie Michaelson, Marilyn Flower, Laure Dorsemaine, Michelle Jimerson Morris, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Trisha Faye, Robert G. Longpré, Amy Frances, Julia A. Keirns, Pamela Oglesby, Toni the Talker, and Keeley Schroder.